JaBookBarter offers online option for textbooks

Jamaicans have been given the opportunity to purchase textbooks at a cheaper rate. The recently launched JaBookBarter (Jamaica Book Barter) is a new and innovative initiative that is intended to provide Jamaicans books that are cheaper.

The core function of the Internet-based company is to provide an affordable alternative and access to individuals who are finding it difficult to acquire much-needed literary materials. The books will span the educational spectrum - basic, high, tertiary, vocational and professional.

In addition, JaBookBarter will provide individuals with used textbooks and other books such as novels, cookbooks, magazines etc, the opportunity to make money, as the company will also facilitate persons wanting to sell their material.

ECONOMIC REALITIES

Founder and CEO of JaBookBarter, Dwight Ross said, "The current economic realities that exist have resulted in individuals finding it increasingly difficult to purchase well-needed school materials and other essentials to give their children the opportunity to maximise their educational potential. Such a scenario only serves to reduce the educational level of Jamaica's population and significantly decreases the level of efficiency, productivity and growth of the nation.

"We, therefore, seek to encourage the principle of re-investing in the future by simply using what one already has, to acquire what is needed now. Simply put, recycling your resources."

According to Ross, the concept of JaBookBarter was inspired by glaring needs and deficiencies identified while he served as coordinator of a pilot mentorship programme for the junior school students at his alma mater, St Catherine High School.

Ross said, "I observed that though the system had some amount of structure, it lacked adequate resource materials for learning and due to the high cost of educational materials, many students were forced to operate below their potential, which results in lower performance, more frustration and poor results. JaBookBarter is here to correct that."

In correcting that, a system has been set up where books will be dropped off, with a suggested price, at specific locations. A list will then be created on the www.Jamaicabookbarter.comwebsite, in which individuals needing to purchase books will be able to search. After selecting the books needed from the 'make request' link, individuals will be contacted for payment and delivery arrangements.

In addition, in keeping with its motto - the complete one stop online bookshop that pays - JaBookBarter also offer new books at very low prices.